Eugene Bullard

Eugene Bullard, the son of a freed slave and a Creek Indian mother, left the United States as a young man to avoid racial discrimination. He joined the French Foreign Legion at the outbreak of World War I, was severely wounded. After six months in a hospital, Eugene joined the Lafayette Flying Corps becoming the first ever African American pilot. He flew over 20 missions and had two confirmed “kills” earning the nickname the “Black Swallow of Death.

After the war, Eugene worked in several Paris nightclubs and finally saved enough money to buy one of his own named le Grand Duc. It became a popular nightclub that featured black entertainers such as Josephine Baker, Bricktop and Florence Jones. Le Grand Duc was a favorite night spot of Muriel and Bob.

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While you're waiting for new episodes of Muriel's Story, get caught up by checking out our archives where you will fine nearly a hundred stories we have already published. Don't forget to read the ones in Family Stories and the Making Of JAD as well!